In 1978 the Magnavox Odyssey 2 home video game console hit the market. Its predecessor, the Magnavox Odyssey, was the first home video game system. Looking to build on their legacy as a leader in the video game industry and directly challenge the Atari’s 2600, Magnavox released the Odyssey 2 touting it as an “educational” video game system with the capabilities of a computer.
With the Odyssey 2 video game console players for the first time could purchase games individually (the original Odyssey had all the games built in to the system) and tailor their video game library to their own likes and tastes. Magnavox released over 50 titles for the Odyssey 2, most being clones of other popular titles such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. But the lack of third party support and high profile titles was a major factor in the system’s failure to prosper.
The Odyssey 2 included a full membrane keyboard which could be used for a number of things including a simple computer programming tutorial. The keyboard was added as a way to show that the console had computer capabilities, but many found it difficult to use. Along with the keyboard the Magnavox Odyssey 2 also had a controller that used the standard joystick design that was common for the era. The first production of the console had these controllers permanently attached but later models made it so that they were detachable. The controllers were actually well received and thought to be more responsive than the Atari 2600’s analog controllers. The console itself was large and metallic, and one benefit of its bulky design was that the Odyssey 2 was extremely durable.
Although the Magnavox Odyssey 2 is an obscure video game console that failed to be a major contender its roots in the video game industry run deep. Below are links to rare console items currently for sale.
- Magnavox Odyssey 2 The complete Collection Videopac Video Game System Console – This collection includes the system and the complete US North American video game library! If you are a collector finding all of this in one lot is truly rare! Buy It Now price is $2,995.00 with $280.00 Shipping & Handling. The seller is located in New Jersey, United States.
- Magnavox Odyssey 2 Video Game Console Used in Box with 5 games – A cheap way to add a piece of video game history to your collection! Buy It Now price is $44.99 with $85.80 in Shipping & Handling. Ships out of Pennsylvania, United States.
- Brand New VGA Graded Quest for the Rings Complete Video Game Pack – This game is a collectible in mint condition. It has never been opened and the seller claims that it has been graded by the Video Game Authority (VGA). The Buy It Now price is $629.95 with $34.95 Shipping & Handling. The seller is located in New Jersey, United States.
- Factory Sealed Quest for the Rings Complete Video Game Pack – While not graded by the VGA this copy is still brand new. Buy It Now price is listed at $299.95 with $34.65 Shipping & Handling. Seller is located in California, United States.
- K.C.’s Krazy Chase – a flagrant Pac-Man clone; this vintage game makes for a fun collectible. Comes complete with box and manual. Buy It Now price is $20.00. Must contact seller for Shipping & Handling costs. Seller is located in Texas, United States.
- Magnavox Odyssey System Ad Flyer – Although it’s for the original Odyssey this is still a cool item for advertiser collectors. Buy It Now price is $19.99 with $18.00 Shipping & Handling. Seller is located in Florida, United States.
